Shun Yao

Assistant Conductor, Orion Youth Symphony Orchestra

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Conductor and pianist Shun Yao is currently serving as conducting assistant at Annapolis Symphony Academy as well as University of Maryland Symphony Orchestra. Born in the historical city of Xi’an, China, Mr. Yao has worked with orchestras across Europe, Asia, and North America. In the 2020-2021 season, he appeared in concerts with South Demark Philharmonic and Janacek Philharmonic (Czech Republic). He assisted at Chicago Summer Opera for their production of Britten’s Albert Herring, as well as at the Annapolis Symphony Orchestra for their live-stream concerts during the pandemic, while advancing to the final round of the inaugural Arthur Nikisch Conducting Competition in Bulgaria.

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Other highlights of Mr. Yao’s career include appearances with Eastern Festival Orchestra in North Carolina, Divertimento Ensemble in Milan, Hear&Now Ensemble in Houston, Cleveland Institute Symphony, Hong Kong Sinfonietta, and London Classical Soloists. He has participated in masterclasses with prominent figures such as Jorma Panula, David Zinman, Robert Spano, Tomas Netopil, José-Luis Novo, Larry Rachleff, and Gerard Schwarz. Dedicated to evolving orchestral performances to suit our time, his music-making has been described as “natural”, “attentive”, and “elegant” (Classical Voice).

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Mr. Yao’s upcoming engagements include concerts with Orion Youth Orchestra, University of Maryland Repertoire Orchestra, and an apprenticeship with the Annapolis Opera.